Hamtramck may outsource fire services to Highland Park - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Hamtramck may outsource fire services to Highland Park

Posted: Updated:
Hamtramck Fire Department  (Credit: Fox 2 News) Hamtramck Fire Department (Credit: Fox 2 News)
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (WJBK) -

Hamtramck is a city in financial trouble, and the entire fire department could be on the chopping block.

Hamtramck residents weren't allowed into Friday's closed session council meeting.  The mayor said there is a good reason for that.

"When we're discussing contract negotiations, that is never discussed in open meetings.  That is a closed session," said Susan Dunn-Radar.

The City of Hamtramck is facing a nearly $3 million deficit.  The situation is so bad that they're choosing between issuing paychecks and funding the pension, and city officials are demanding serious concessions from their 27 firefighters.

Friday, their union offered to give up raises, slash incentive pay and increase their out of pocket pension and healthcare costs, saving the city at least $500,000 a year.

"The amount did not add up to what we asked for," Dunn-Radar said.  "I believe we asked for 1.2 [million dollars]."

Which leads some to believe the city might be leaning towards eliminating their fire department all together and outsourcing fire protection to the nearby struggling city of Highland Park, which has offered to do it for a little more than a million dollars.

"I'm not prepared to talk about anything tonight accept the negotiations that we went through today with the firemen's union," said Dunn-Radar.

"Is there a chance you may layoff the entire fire department?" I asked her.

"We're considering every option that we have and there any number of options, but nothing is off the table," she answered.

Firefighters are expected to meet with the city council next week.

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Friday, May 24 2013 11:02 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:02:42 GMT
    A Long Island woman who owns a hot dog truck has been busted once again for prostitution, according to Nassau Police.
    A Long Island woman who owns a hot dog truck has been busted once again for prostitution, according to Nassau Police.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
    The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather.  Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:39:12 GMT
    More than 22 million veterans live in the United States. Anthony Geathers and Zach McClanahan are two of them.
    More than 22 million veterans live in the United States. Anthony Geathers and Zach McClanahan are two of them.
Powered by WorldNow
Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices